The Lost star has been announced to be joining Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen in the Lord Of The Rings prequel, and will start shooting in New Zealand soon.

"Evangeline Lilly will be playing a new character - the Woodland Elf, Tauriel. Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing!" the filmmaker said on his Facebook page.

He did, however, reveal that her character will not be a love interest for Legolas (played by Orlando Bloom).

"No, there is no romantic connection to Legolas. What is not a secret is how talented and compelling an actress Evangeline is; we are thrilled and excited she will be the one to bring our first true Sylvan Elf to life," Peter continued.

Barry Humphries, known for his alter-ego Dame Edna Everage, will be playing the Goblin King, the director said.

"I'm also highly excited that Barry Humphries will be portraying the Goblin King, in much the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. We're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves."

Peter is looking forward to starting the second block of filming.

"Evangeline and Barry, along with Welsh actor Luke Evans as Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug, just about rounds out the major casting. I cannot wait to get stuck into these new scenes!" he added.